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Friday, September 30, 2011

2011-12 NHL Projections: Forwards

Top 230 Forwards to pick in 2011-12

Whether you are in the market for top-end talent, or simply seeking to augment your team with late round steals, the 230 players listed on this page unveil quite a few hidden gems / sleepers, and quite a few players who are on the come back trail or poised for a break out.

Players like John Tavares, Claude Giroux and Matt Duchene should be primed to enter the top 30 in NHL scoring year year, while other youngsters like James Neal and James Van Riemsdyk should take advantage of larger roles with their clubs to achieve stardom in the near future.

There are plenty of sophomores like Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Michael Grabner, Jeff Skinner and Logan Couture to draft, along with some others who may me terrific sleepers that may be under the radar due to injuries last season. Kyle Okposo, TJ Oshie and David Perron may fit that bill.

Kyle Turris (if he signs) and Cody Hodgson could be late round gambles who may finally attain some NHL ice time early in the season. If they stick with the big club, they may be worth drafting.

On the whole, the most reliable picks will be the Sedin twins, Ovechkin, Stamkos and Zetterberg. Crosby and Malkin could be worth the risk too.

Top 5 Forwards This Year

1. Steven StamkosAbsolutely on fire early in the year, he cooled off in the second half—badly. With experience comes consistency, so odds are he’ll improve this season. Expect big things—50 goals and 100 points.

2. Daniel Sedin

Speaking of consistency, the Sedin twins have it. Durable and highly skilled, they are a safe pick to be at or near the scoring lead all year. Fears of a Cup Final hangover are overrated—the twins entered camp healthier than ever before. 40 goals/95 points.

3. Henrik Sedin

Henrik captained the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals his first year leading the club. Henrik might be the league’s best passer. These guys are determined and Hank could score 20 goals/100 points.

4. Alex Ovechkin

Defensive hockey meant Ovechkin had his worst numbers in years. Still, he’s dynamic and probably the most explosive player in the NHL. 40 goals and 90 points.

5. Ryan Getzlaf

Getzlaf has superstar talent but has had health issues. With Perry and Ryan, the sky is the limit for Getzlaf this year. 35 goals and 90 points.